Senior Automation Software Engineer

Chicago Dryer Company; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Chicago Dryer Company is looking for a hands-on Senior Automation Engineer in Chicago. This role requires expertise in code development for industrial machinery and the ability to collaborate closely with shop floor technicians and engineering teams.

The ideal candidate will have 8+ years in controls and software engineering, with proficiency in programming languages such as C and Structured Text. Strong debugging skills and practical electrical literacy are essential for success in this role, as you will be actively involved in testing and troubleshooting our equipment.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in controls and software engineering for industrial machinery.
• Hands-on knowledge of C and Structured Text programming.
• Familiarity with modern industrial automation tools like B&R and Beckhoff.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement machine-control software and HMI applications.
• Collaborate with technicians and engineers on the factory floor for testing.
• Set up and troubleshoot industrial communication protocols.

Skills

C programming

Structured Text (Pascal-based)

Industrial Automation Systems (B&R, Beckhoff)

Troubleshooting

Interpersonal Skills

Electrical Literacy

Tools

Git

Jira

Job description

We are seeking a hands‑on, software‑first Senior Automation Engineer to join our team. While we need someone who treats industrial programming as a true software discipline, this is not a hands‑off, desk‑only role. You will be actively writing code and working directly on the factory floor to test, debug, and run our machinery.Reporting to Engineering Management, this position is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining the control and HMI systems for our industrial equipment. The ideal candidate is an expert in text‑based industrial programming languages who loves solving complex code logic problems, possesses strong mechanical aptitude, and is entirely comfortable using hand tools and working directly on physical equipment alongside our factory team.

Job Type

Full‑Time

Key Responsibilities

• Code Development: Write, implement, and maintain machine‑control software, HMI applications, and data communications for our industrial equipment lines.
• Hands‑On Machine Testing: Spend significant time on the factory floor physically testing code updates, debugging machine behaviors, and verifying that software controls match mechanical performance.
• Motion & Automation Integration: Program and integrate industrial motion components, including servos, variable frequency drives (VFDs/inverters), linear actuators, and pneumatic systems.
• Industrial Networking: Set up, configure, and troubleshoot industrial communication protocols and serial interfaces, including Ethernet POWERLINK, EtherCAT, Modbus, RS‑232, RS‑485, AS‑i, and IO‑Link.
• Data & SCADA Layers: Implement data‑transfer protocols for machine data‑acquisition, telemetry, and SCADA systems using platform‑specific data interface tools.
• Multi‑Level Collaboration: Partner closely and communicate effectively across all levels of the organization—collaborating daily with shop floor technicians, engineering peers, and upper management.
  

Qualifications & Skills

• 8+ years of experience in controls and software engineering specifically focused on industrial machinery or automation.
• High‑level, hands‑on knowledge of text‑based programming languages, specifically C and Structured Text (Pascal‑based).
• Solid experience working within modern industrial automation ecosystems, specifically B&R Industrial Automation (Automation Studio, POWERLINK) and/or Beckhoff TwinCAT 3.
• Familiarity with Windows, Linux, and Realtime Operating Systems (RTOS).
• Practical electrical literacy—ability to read electrical schematics and apply electrical codes for industrial machinery.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and a genuine desire to work hands‑on with machinery, including the comfort and ability to use basic hand tools during testing and assembly.
• Strong troubleshooting and debugging skills, with a proven ability to solve logic problems on a live machine.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with a down‑to‑earth approach; ability to present technical updates clearly to upper management while working effectively with production teams.
• Experience using modern development tools like Git for version control and Jira for tracking projects.
• Practical electronics design and hardware‑level troubleshooting experience.